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Descendants
Sought from Endangered Cemetery

September 27, 2000

The following was submitted by Cheryl who found this circulating
on a mailing list. It reports that an expansion of an airport in
St. Louis, MO is planned, and a nearby cemetery is scheduled for
demolition. Descendants of those buried in the cemetery is sought.

Bridgeton Memorial Park
Bridgeton, St. Louis County, MO

This burying ground at 4616 Long Road was made into a memorial
park in 1962. In 1959 several lawsuits were filed against the
City for allowing the cemetery to deteriorate. Individual stones
had already been removed "through error and misunderstanding"
but members of the Bridgeton Historical Commission were able to
learn the names of some who were buried there and a large monument
was erected in 1963 which bears this inscription, "We honor the
people buried here. They were part of this nations adventure and
their vision lighted the path we follow today." At the dedication
ceremonies, Mrs. Anna Wilson gave a talk about colored veterans
who are buried here. Records indicate that the cemetery was integrated
from its beginning in 1958. It was in use as late as 1954 and
at least 100 people are buried in the two acres. On the bronze
plaque of the monument are the following names:

There is a Shirley Wotawa that is seeking information about the
persons buried here. If you can help with this project, please
contact her at: 9512 Glen Owen, Ferguson, MO 63136. This address
is from the fall of 1998.

You can also contact the St. Louis Dept. of Parks and Recreation
Historical Preservation Office at (314) 615-0357.

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